Orange Peel Biomass‐derived Carbon Supported Cu Electrocatalysts Active in the CO2‐Reduction to Formic Acid. Issue 7 (9th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miah, Tanvir; Demoro, Palmarita; Nduka, Izuchika; De Luca, Federica; Abate, Salvatore; Arrigo, Rosa
• Is Part Of: Chemphyschem. Volume 24:Issue 7(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-01-09
• Subjects: Biomass upgrade -- Carbon -- CO2RR -- Formic acid -- microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; 541.05
• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202200589
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-4235

Abstract

Abstract: We report a green, wet chemistry approach towards the production of C‐supported Cu electrocatalysts active in the CO2 reduction to formic acid. We use citrus peels as a C support precursor and as a source of reducing agents for the Cu cations. We show that orange peel is a suitable starting material compared to lemon peel for the one‐pot hydrothermal synthesis of Cu nanostructures affording better Cu dispersion as well as productivity and selectivity towards formic acid. We rationalize this finding in terms of the beneficial chemical composition of the orange peel, which favors both the reduction of the Cu precursor as well as the carbon matrix. This work demonstrates new viable opportunities for the reuse of citrus waste on a rational basis. Abstract : Orange or lemon peel ? We compare citrus peel waste as a C precursor for C‐supported Cu nanoparticles via microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis and test them as electrocatalysts in the CO2 electro‐reduction. We show the orange peel templated synthesis of homogeneously dispersed Cu nanoparticles with promising activity and selectivity to formic acid. In contrast, the lemon peel precursor does not allow a good Cu dispersion as well as sufficient C reduction reflecting in a poor performance.